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EA Won't be Releasing "Syndicate" in Australia

EA has announced today that they will no longer be releasing their upcoming shooter Syndicate in Australia, according to Joystiq. The game was banned in its current form by the Australian after being deemed "unsuitable for a minor to see or play." EA says that, though they have option to censor the game or appeal the ruling, they will simply opt not to distribute the game there. EA said they find it "regrettable" that the government would not even allow adults to play the game.

"The game will not be available in Australia despite its enthusiastic response from fans. We were encouraged by the government's recent agreement to adopt an 18+ age rating for games. However, delays continue to force an arcane censorship on games – cuts that would never be imposed on books or movies," EA Corporate Communications' Tiffany Steckler said in a prepared statement. "We urge policy makers to take swift action to implement an updated policy that reflects today's market and gives its millions of adult consumers the right to make their own content choices."

This is not the first time a game publisher has clashed with the Australian ratings board. Currently, the Australian government's ratings system for video games automatically bans any game deemed unsuitable for a child over the age of 15.

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Do you think it's wise and/or fair that the Australian government should censor video games not designed for children? Let us know what you think in the comments.